Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been discovered in the UK, prompting the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to recommend changes to hospital tests to quickly detect new cases.
These changes include asymptomatic surveillance of individuals in areas where tick-borne encephalitis has been diagnosed.
The disease is very rare in the UK – only one person in England has been confirmed infected so far in 2022 – and there is a suspected case in Scotland. However, the types of ticks that can transmit the virus are quite common.
Here’s everything you need to know about the virus and what to do if you get bitten by a tick.
How can I prevent tick bites?
Ticks live in forests and meadows. You are at a higher risk of being bitten if you engage in activities such as hiking and camping.
To reduce the risk of being bitten, the NHS advises:
- Cover your skin when you go out and tuck your pants into your socks.
- use insect repellant on clothes and skin – products with DEET are best;
- stay on lanes whenever possible;
- Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot and shake off.
Consider getting vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis if you are visiting a country where the infection is common and you plan to do some outdoor activities upon arrival. Ticks that can spread tick-borne encephalitis can be found in much of Europe, including parts of the UK, as well as Russia and parts of China and Japan.
Two shots of the vaccine can protect you for about a year. The third injection can protect you for about three years. You must have your first injection at least one month before your trip.
The TBE vaccine is not available on the NHS. Look online for a travel clinic that offers this. One injection costs about £65.
How to uncheck?
Tick bites are not always painful, so you may not notice a tick until you see it on your skin. Check the condition of the skin and hair after outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Insects attach to your skin and feed on your blood as they grow.
How to safely remove a tick:
- Use fine tip tweezers or a tick remover. You can buy them at some pharmacies, veterinarians, and pet stores.
- Keep the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull up slowly, being careful not to pinch or pinch the tick. Throw it away as soon as you remove it.
- Wash the bite site with an antiseptic or soap and water.
What are the symptoms of CE?
The risk of infection from a tick bite is low. You don’t have to do anything if you don’t get sick.
If you’ve been bitten by a tick within the past month and have flu-like symptoms such as facial flushing and chills, headache, muscle aches or nausea, or a red rash, you should see your doctor.
Call 999 or go to the emergency room right away if you or anyone else:
- neck stiffness and severe headache;
- experiencing pain when looking at a bright light;
- he has a seizure (seizure);
- has a change in behavior – like sudden confusion;
- Weakness or loss of mobility develops in any part of the body.
How common is the virus?
TBE virus-infected ticks have been found in parts of England, including the border areas of Hampshire, Dorset, Norfolk and Suffolk. However, only one case of human infection has been confirmed.
As of 2019, there have been three cases of probable or confirmed TBE in England, including one associated with the Yorkshire region in 2022.
Dr Mira Chand, Deputy Director of the UKHSA, said: “Our observations show that tick-borne encephalitis virus is very rare in the UK and the risk to the general population is very low.
“Ticks also transmit many other infections, including Lyme disease. So take steps to reduce the chance of being bitten if you are in areas where ticks thrive, such as checking for ticks and removing them immediately.”
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.